Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 327 - 326. Return to Licheng, Twins

326. Return to Licheng, Having Twins

In the Capital of Great Chu, the newly arrived Mo Family Army replaced the weary Great Chu garrison, taking over guard duties on the city walls. Seeing the Mo flag and the black-clad soldiers standing resolute in the cold wind, the Northern Territory’s grand army could only temporarily halt their advance, not daring to act rashly.

Mo Xiuyao led everyone into the imperial palace of Great Chu. Gazing at the still magnificent, yet somewhat desolate imperial city under a thin layer of snow, a faint melancholy, and even more unidentifiable complex emotions, flickered in Mo Xiuyao’s cool eyes. As soon as he entered the palace, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning came forward to greet him. Seeing Mo Xiuyao, Mo Xiaoyun bowed respectfully. "Xiaoyun greets Uncle Prince Ding."

Mo Xiuyao indifferently glanced at Mo Xiaoyun. Naturally, he held no fondness for the son of Mo Jingqi and Noble Consort Liu. However, this Mo Xiaoyun seemed quite different from Mo Jingqi. Raising an eyebrow at the pair before him, he asked, "Where is the Eldest Princess?"

Mo Xiaoyun bowed his head. "The Eldest Princess passed away two days ago. However, concerned it would affect the morale of the defending soldiers, she ordered her death be kept secret. The Eldest Princess’s coffin is still in the palace, with Princess Zhaoyang keeping vigil." Mo Xiuyao nodded and went first to pay his respects to the Eldest Princess.

The Eldest Princess was two years older than State Duke Hua and had not suffered much from illness before her death, so it could be considered a peaceful end due to old age. After paying respects at the hall where the Eldest Princess’s coffin lay, Mo Xiuyao then greeted Princess Zhaoyang. She was dressed in plain clothes, without makeup, her face showing undeniable exhaustion and gauntness. After they sat down in a side hall, Princess Zhaoyang looked at Mo Xiuyao with relief. "I thought you wouldn’t make it in time, and the Capital of Great Chu would truly fall into the hands of the Northern Territory. Fortunately..."

Mo Xiuyao briefly recounted the war in the city, including State Duke Hua’s death in battle. Princess Zhaoyang’s eyes reddened upon hearing this, and she sighed deeply, at a loss for words.

After a moment of silence in the side hall, Princess Zhaoyang asked, "What do you plan to do with those two children?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, looking at Princess Zhaoyang. She sighed. "To be honest, I didn’t like those two children either. What good could come from a woman with the Liu surname, or children raised by the Liu Family? But after spending some time with them these past few days, these two children seem very different from their parents. If possible... spare their lives. I know you hate the Great Chu imperial family... I once did as well..."

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment before saying, "Rest assured, as long as they behave themselves, I will not harm them." Princess Zhaoyang paused at his somewhat distant words, then nodded. "In that case, thank you."

It felt as though they hadn’t been apart for long, yet there seemed to be nothing to say. The atmosphere in the side hall made both of them uncomfortable, and Mo Xiuyao soon rose and departed. Watching his retreating figure, Princess Zhaoyang sighed helplessly. She knew the source of this estrangement. From now on... this imperial palace would still bear the surname Mo, but it was no longer the Mo of old. And she, ultimately, was still a princess of Great Chu, no matter how much she hated it. Fortunately, now she was merely... the princess of a fallen kingdom.

With the Mo Family Army now garrisoning the city, life in the Capital of Great Chu quickly bustled again. Although just two days prior, the city had been filled with bloodshed and the din of battle, and its citizens had hidden in their homes, terrified. However, in just a few days, the bodies were buried and the streets cleaned, and the once-empty city regained some vitality.

Mo Xiuyao soon ordered posthumous honors for the soldiers who had died in battle and reorganized the governmental affairs of the Capital of Great Chu. Despite hundreds of thousands of soldiers from the Northern Territory’s grand army still surrounding the city, the citizens’ lives gradually returned to normal. Now, not only were there hundreds of thousands of Mo Family Army soldiers in the Capital of Great Chu, but also numerous Mo Family Army and Great Chu commanders. Naturally, the citizens were less concerned about the enemy forces outside the city. After half a month of recuperation for both sides, Mo Xiuyao issued new orders. The Mo Family Army advanced along two routes: one, led by Lv Songxian, preemptively sortied from the city to engage the Northern Territory’s grand army, giving them no chance to recover and attack the city again. The other route, led by Murong Shen, confronted Yelv Ye’s Beirong army.

That same month, Mo Xiaoyun, Prince Changxing of Great Chu, who was overseeing the Capital of Great Chu, issued a proclamation to the world: The Mo Family Army and Prince Ding had saved Changxing City. Henceforth, Changxing City and its populace were under Prince Ding’s rule, no longer subjects of Great Chu. This proclamation naturally made many secretly grit their teeth in frustration, but they were helpless to do anything. Among the most infuriated was Mo Jingli, who was entrenched in Jiangnan. The Great Chu had abandoned its own capital. Now that Prince Ding had traveled a thousand li to save it, and its people willingly submitted to him, the Great Chu court was like a mute who had swallowed a bitter pill—suffering in silence.

The Mo Family Army, having just captured the Capital of Great Chu, was at the peak of its morale. Murong Shen, coordinating with Marquis South and his son who were defending Feihong Pass, launched a pincer attack that forced the Beirong army into a continuous retreat. Coupled with Beirong’s shortage of provisions, rendering them unable to sustain a prolonged war, both sides had no choice but to agree to a temporary truce. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory’s army, having fought bitterly for over a month without any success and facing escalating internal disputes in their rear, left Ren Qining with no option but to order a resentful retreat from Zijing Pass.

Thus, by the time spring arrived in March, although much of Great Chu’s original territory remained in the hands of Beirong and the Northern Territory, the Mo Family Army’s triumphant sweep from east to west and back again over a mere seven or eight months was enough to prove that the combat strength of this renowned, iron-willed legion was undiminished. Consequently, the territory under the Mo Family Army’s control stretched from Anpingzhou Prefecture of the former Xiling in the west, to Zijing Pass of Great Chu in the east. Though slightly smaller in area than Xiling, it was far larger than the territory controlled by the Great Chu court in Jiangnan. More importantly, Prince Ding’s family now controlled two imperial capitals, one in the east and one in the west, and for a time, their fame was unparalleled in the land.

These past six months of campaigning had exhausted vast amounts of wealth and provisions for all parties. For the moment, none had the energy or resources for further conflict. Thus, while all armies remained vigilant and wary of each other, they tacitly agreed to cease hostilities and recuperate. With the cessation of warfare, Mo Xiuyao delegated the affairs of the Capital of Great Chu to Feng Zhiyao, Lv Songxian, and others, and then rode swiftly back to the Northwest. Everyone in the Mo Family Army knew the Princess Consort was pregnant, so they understood the Prince’s urgency and said nothing.

"Ah-Li!"

In mid-April, though spring arrived a bit late in the Northwest, it was already late spring. In the gardens of Prince Ding’s Mansion, various beautiful flowers were still in full bloom. The most dazzling among them were the peonies transplanted from Yunzhou. Peonies of all colors vied for beauty, adorning the entire garden with an air of opulent grace, their fragrance filling the air.

Ye Li sat on a stone bench covered with thick cushions, smiling as she watched Mo Xiaobao intently practice with a small sword. Leng Junhan and Xu Zhirui, watching from the side, cheered him on, though Ye Li doubted the two little ones really knew what was good or bad about his swordsmanship. Beneath her light blue cloak, her belly was conspicuously large and round. Ye Li smiled watching the sword practice, gently stroking her round abdomen. Even though it’s only been nine months, this belly is a bit too big. Mo Xiaobao wasn’t this large back then. Remembering Doctor Lin mentioning this pregnancy might be twins, Ye Li smiled faintly. Twins wouldn’t be bad. But I haven’t told Mo Xiuyao yet. Otherwise, with his temperament, he might very well abandon the soldiers on the battlefield and rush back.

Hearing a voice from outside the garden, Ye Li paused slightly. Could it be? Am I having auditory hallucinations in late pregnancy?

Mo Xiaobao, who was practicing his sword, stopped, blinked, then turned to Ye Li and pouted, "Mother, Father is back." Though his tone feigned displeasure, his large, dark eyes instantly lit up.

Ye Li looked back and indeed saw a travel-worn figure standing at the garden entrance, smiling at her. "Ah-Li, I’m back."

"Xiuyao..."

Seeing her try to stand, Mo Xiuyao quickly dashed forward and supported her. "Don’t move! You..." Looking at her very round belly, the usually composed Prince Ding couldn’t help but stare, his voice tinged with worry as he looked at Ye Li. "Ah-Li, are you alright? He... why is it so big?"

"Doctor Lin said it might be twins, so of course, it’s much bigger than with one," Ye Li said with a light smile.

"What?" Mo Xiuyao felt his vision darken, his limbs going weak. One was enough to make me worry and fear, and now there are two! "How could this happen?! Where is Shen Yang? Tell him to come and check on the Princess Consort immediately!" Mo Xiuyao said anxiously. Ye Li shot him an exasperated look. "You know Mr. Shen went to Fourth Brother’s, don’t you? Doctor Lin has already examined me. I’m fine, and the babies are fine too."

"But—"

"No buts!" Ye Li stated firmly, taking Mo Xiuyao’s arm. "You just got back; why haven’t you washed up and rested? I was just out for a walk and will be heading back soon. Go and rest first." Mo Xiuyao, already in a daze, allowed Ye Li to lead him away.

Behind them, the three children looked at each other. After a moment, Xu Zhirui blinked, his handsome little face as serious as his father’s, and asked, "We didn’t greet Uncle Mo."

The youngest, Leng Junhan, patted his little head. "Uncle Prince Ding didn’t see us, so he won’t be angry." Uncle Prince Ding didn’t even spare them a glance. But then again, thinking of Uncle Prince Ding’s cold, piercing gaze... Leng Xiaodai shivered and shook his little head. It’s fine that he didn’t see us. Better that he didn’t.

Mo Xiaobao arrogantly stared at his father’s retreating back, hmphed, and tossed his little head. "This young heir doesn’t care if he saw me or not! Come on, let’s go find Eldest Maternal Uncle!"

The three little ones conferred and unanimously agreed that Mo Xiaobao’s suggestion was excellent. Their Eldest Maternal Uncle (Xu Qingchen) was much more amiable than Mo Xiaobao’s father (whom Zhirui and Leng Junhan called Uncle Mo or Uncle Prince Ding).

After returning to their main courtyard, Mo Xiuyao bathed and changed. When he emerged, Ye Li had already instructed the servants to prepare some of his favorite dishes on the table. These past few days, rushing back to the Northwest, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t eaten properly. Seeing these dishes whetted his appetite, and he sat down, pulling Ye Li to eat with him.

It wasn’t a regular mealtime, and Ye Li didn’t feel very hungry, so she only ate half a bowl of porridge before stopping. She sat beside him, watching Mo Xiuyao eat, occasionally picking up some meat for him. After so many years, Mo Xiuyao was still a picky eater. If it weren’t for Ye Li personally picking out dishes for him, he would mostly eat vegetarian food, almost more of an ascetic than Xu Qingchen.

As they dined, Mo Xiuyao spoke of events in the Capital of Great Chu, naturally including State Duke Hua’s death for his country. Ye Li also had a good impression of the old duke, and hearing of his passing naturally saddened her. "We should probably tell Sister Hua and Tianxiang about this."

Mo Xiuyao said, "You don’t need to worry about that; I’ll have someone inform them. Your priority is the children. Let’s talk after these little ones are born."

After some thought, Ye Li could only nod. "The babies are probably due next month. By the time the babies are one month old, it will be almost time for Grandfather’s birthday." Frowning slightly, Ye Li gently caressed her round belly. "In that case, we won’t hold a one-month celebration for these two." Celebrating the full month of Prince Ding’s son and Commendary Princess was no small affair. If it coincided with her grandfather’s birthday, they’d be overwhelmed for two months. Mo Xiuyao didn’t have strong opinions on whether to celebrate the babies’ first month. He just raised an eyebrow and asked, "We had a grand celebration for Mo Xiaobao’s first month. Won’t these two be upset when they grow up if we don’t?"

Ye Li chuckled. "Is Your Highness already concerned about their sibling feelings? What’s so important about a first-month banquet? If they get upset over something like this, it means we’ve failed as parents."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, looking at Ye Li’s belly with a smile. It’s not that your father is biased and doesn’t dote on you; it’s your mother’s decision, you see.

"Is Li’er in?" Xu Qingchen’s refined voice came from outside the door.

The maid waiting outside quickly curtsied. "His Highness just returned. The Princess Consort is currently dining with him."

Upon hearing their voices, Mo Xiuyao was instantly displeased. He had just returned and barely caught his breath, and Xu Qingchen was already here? Would they let a man rest? 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Ye Li, however, didn’t sense Mo Xiuyao’s displeasure and called out with a laugh, "Big Brother, come in."

Stepping into the reception hall, Xu Qingchen glanced at Mo Xiuyao, who was staring at him with a gloomy expression, a faint smile playing on Xu Qingchen’s lips. "When did Your Highness return? We weren’t even aware."

Ye Li said apologetically, "He just arrived and came straight to the courtyard. Is there something you need, Big Brother?"

Of course, Xu Qingchen couldn’t admit he knew Mo Xiuyao had just returned and had come specifically to annoy him. He smiled. "Nothing urgent. It’s just that the invitations for Grandfather’s birthday celebration in two months need to be drafted soon. I happened to be free today, so I came to discuss it with you."

Ye Li frowned thoughtfully for a moment. "Naturally, we must invite the dignitaries and renowned scholars from the Northwest, Xiling, and the Capital of Great Chu. But what about other places... Nanzhao, Beirong, the Northern Territory, Xiling again, and the Jiangnan region—should we invite people from there?"

Mo Xiuyao put down his chopsticks and raised an eyebrow. "Of course, invite them. After such dramatic changes last year, even if we don’t invite them, they’ll come on their own."

Xu Qingchen nodded. "I understand. Also, does Your Highness plan to hold the celebration in the Capital of Great Chu or in Licheng?"

That was indeed a question. Holding it in the Capital of Great Chu would imply Mo Xiuyao intended to move Prince Ding’s Mansion back there. If it were held in Licheng, however, the status of the Capital of Great Chu would need reconsideration. After all, it was a capital city, and different from Xiling’s imperial city. Xiling’s imperial city was practically a windfall; nice to have, but no great loss if it were gone. The Capital of Great Chu, however, was surrounded by enemies. Losing it would be a huge blow to Prince Ding’s prestige.

Mo Xiuyao rubbed his temples thoughtfully before asking, "What is your opinion, Big Brother?"

Xu Qingchen smiled. "A matter of this importance should naturally be decided solely by Your Highness."

Mo Xiuyao shot him an irritated look and declared haughtily, "This Prince commands you to speak."

Xu Qingchen, unconcerned, shrugged and smiled. "Licheng is, after all, too small, and large-scale construction cannot be completed overnight. Your Highness garrisoning the Capital of Great Chu would serve as an excellent deterrent to the people in Beirong, the Northern Territory, and the south." His implication was that Xu Qingchen favored moving Prince Ding’s Mansion back to the Capital of Great Chu.

Mo Xiuyao naturally understood Xu Qingchen’s reasoning. He pondered for a moment, then asked, "The Capital of Great Chu is too far from Xiling. If something happens there in the future, we’ll be too far away to respond effectively." Licheng also had its advantages, such as its central geographical location on the continent. With insufficient strength, it was a vulnerable position, open to attack from all sides. But with formidable strength, it was an ideal base for expansion in all directions.

Xu Qingchen said, "We certainly cannot abandon Licheng. However, we currently lack the means to expand Licheng to an adequate scale quickly. With the realm in turmoil, burdening the people with labor and expense is unwise." Simply put, Licheng was too small. If Prince Ding’s Mansion were only defending its corner of the Northwest, it would be fine. But now, the territory under its rule was no smaller than that of any major power. To continue based in Licheng would seem inadequate and could easily make the officials and soldiers uneasy, as Prince Ding currently showed no intention of ascending the throne, leaving the future of Prince Ding’s Mansion uncertain. Xu Qingchen, having long managed various affairs in Licheng, was well aware of the doubts and rumors among officials and the populace. In the current situation, either Licheng had to be massively expanded, or Prince Ding’s Mansion had to be relocated to the Capital of Great Chu.

Mo Xiuyao mused for a while, then looked up. "Mr. Qingyun’s birthday celebration will still be held in Licheng. Afterwards, Ah-Li and I will temporarily reside in the Capital of Great Chu. Er... Young Master Qingchen, you will accompany us. All affairs in Licheng will continue as before, with Mr. Hongyu in overall command. What do you think?"

Xu Qingchen looked somewhat resigned but smiled. "Since Your Highness has decided, your subordinate can only obey. Is Your Highness planning to... operate both Licheng and the Capital of Great Chu simultaneously?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "The territory we now hold stretches from east to west, and the distance is too great. If something happens in the west, by the time news reaches the Capital of Great Chu, it will be too late—the citron daylily will have already wilted. Moreover, once Ren Qining is dealt with, the importance of the Capital of Great Chu will greatly diminish. Then, Xiling and Beirong will become the main focus." And Licheng was clearly closer to Xiling and Beirong.

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Your Highness’s ambitions are indeed extraordinary. However... I have a question I’ve never asked, though I’m sure it has long troubled many people."

Mo Xiuyao’s eyebrows rose slightly as he looked at Xu Qingchen with a smile.

"Your Highness, have you never considered ascending the throne and declaring yourself emperor?" Xu Qingchen asked. "Previously, when Prince Ding’s Mansion controlled only a small part of the Northwest, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Your Highness disdained the idea. But now, the territory under Prince Ding’s Mansion spans thousands of li from east to west. Why does Your Highness still...?" This question indeed perplexed many, not just those under Prince Ding’s Mansion, but outsiders as well, who could not fathom Mo Xiuyao’s intentions. Anyone else with such vast territory would have long ago declared themselves king or emperor. Mo Xiuyao, however, seemed to lack any such inclination.

Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li’s hand and, looking at Xu Qingchen with a kind and amiable smile, said, "For no other reason than lack of interest."

"Lack of interest?" Xu Qingchen frowned, inwardly rolling his eyes. Fortunately, Young Master Qingchen was naturally calm and composed, with a high tolerance. If it had been someone else, Feng Zhiyao for instance, they would probably have lunged forward, grabbed Mo Xiuyao’s collar, and shaken him violently, yelling, "Are you messing with us?! Are you?!" Xu Qingchen, however, was only momentarily surprised before regaining his composure. Well, it’s not like he’s the one becoming emperor. If Mo Xiuyao isn’t interested, then he isn’t interested. The so-called ascension to the throne and declaration of emperorship are just a ceremony and a title. Under Prince Ding’s Mansion, who would dare say Mo Xiuyao’s authority is less than an Empress’s? To hell with so-called legitimacy!

Mo Xiuyao looked at Xu Qingchen with some disdain. "Since Young Master Qingchen has no further business, perhaps you should leave. I am rather tired and wish to rest for a while." Honestly, this couple had just reunited after a long separation. What was he doing, barging in and overstaying his welcome?

As if oblivious to Mo Xiuyao’s dismissive gaze, Xu Qingchen smiled at Ye Li. "In that case, Li’er, rest well. I will take good care of the children."

Hearing this, Ye Li’s face fell. I actually left the three children in the garden and just walked off! Is my brain really addled from pregnancy? "Big Brother, are they with you? I’m so sorry to trouble you..."

"No trouble at all," Xu Qingchen replied, his smile like a gentle spring breeze. "It’s just that Mo Xiaobao was quite upset earlier, telling me his father left without even glancing at him."

Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly. "Then I’ll trouble Young Master Qingchen to look after them for a bit. After all, Mo Xiaobao likes his Eldest Maternal Uncle the best, doesn’t he?" Saying "likes best," Mo Xiuyao couldn’t help but grit his teeth. It felt like he was raising an ungrateful little turncoat.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao was truly about to leave with Ye Li, Xu Qingchen stopped his teasing and departed with a beaming smile.

Inside the drawing room, Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao curiously, seeming to want to say something but hesitating. Mo Xiuyao smiled at her. "Why is Ah-Li looking at me like that? Have you discovered that after our separation, your husband has become even more handsome and extraordinary?"

Ye Li looked heavenward, speechless. "Are you really not planning to ascend the throne?"

Mo Xiuyao scoffed, saying nonchalantly, "What’s so great about being emperor? You spend all day worrying about someone trying to usurp your throne. If you want a little fun, the Imperial Censors accuse you of neglecting duties for pleasure. If you want to execute someone, you have to listen to those old fogeys drone on with their endless reasoning. Most importantly... I have no interest in accepting the unmarriageable daughters of those old coots. Or would Ah-Li prefer her husband to have a harem of three palaces and six courtyards? Hmm... actually, that’s not impossible. After I ascend the throne, I could decree that future emperors can only have one empress and no consorts. Then... I’ll kill all those old geezers who love to remonstrate. What do you think of me becoming a tyrant, Ah-Li?"

Ye Li felt a wave of helplessness and waved her hand. "Let’s discuss ascending the throne some other time."